Artpace Opens Spring 2017 Exhibitions

The Hudson Showroom exhibition, “Did You Ever See Such a Thing as a Drawing of a Muchness?” will feature three Texas artists—Natasha Bowdoin, Harold Mendez and Rodrigo Valenzuela—who were each selected by curator Michelle Grabner. In the Main Space (formerly known as the Window Works gallery), San Antonio artist Benjamin McVey will give guests a firsthand look at what goes into creating contemporary art. Both exhibitions continue through April. 30

The idea for “Did You Ever See Such a Thing as a Drawing of a Muchness?” came from from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. “Muchness” is described as a lot of something and a lot of nothing and serves as the theme that ties the three artists together. Each of them used ordinary materials in their works, but focused on also including a high level of detail throughout, whether with paper or paint.

While Bowdoin’s works look simple, for example, her use of patterns and colors bring an added layer of depth to her pieces. Valenzuela’s work consists of black and white photos that required him to select specific frames and to carefully place each structural element pictured. Mendez presents a piece (pictured above) that sits on the floor and is meant to invoke the idea of plain space. The small white pieces provide the element of detail.

In the Main Space, which is visible from the sidewalk and street outside Artpace, Benjamin McVey (whose "Structure" piece is pictured below) provides people a glimpse into what his personal studio is like. For the exhibition, “Open,” McVey relocated his painting studio to Artpace so that people can see what the art making process is like. McNey, a Houston native, teaches painting, drawing and sculpting at the University of Texas at San Antonio.